Roman Goddess Venus

Areas of Influence: Venus was the Roman Goddess and love, beauty and seduction.

The latter is suggested by the root word for her name "venes" which forms the root of the word venenum (poison) suggesting love potions and charms. 

This Goddess also represented motherhood, domesticity and prosperity. It is perhaps for this reason, that  brides to be made offerings to her and why mosaics with images of this Goddess were often found in the home.

In earlier times she was the fertility Goddess of gardens, vineyards and humans. Later she took on aspects of the Greek Goddess Aphrodite and the Etruscan Deity Turan.

She was more powerful and revered than her Greek counterpart as she was considered to be one of the divine ancestors of Rome.

Julius Caesar claimed that he was descended from this Goddess and dedicated a temple to her in Rome for ensuring his military success.

The Goddess of Love was also the patron of the normal, everyday wine with Jupiter responsible for the sacred wine used in the offerings to the Gods.

Her name is also linked to the tiny pre-historic Goddesses found throughout Europe including the famous Venus of Willendorf.

Origins and Genealogy: In Roman mythology she was the daughter of Jupiter and mother of the hero Aeneas. She took many lovers including Mars the God of war and Vulcan.

Strengths: Love, sexuality and beauty. 

Weaknesses: Vanity and jealousy.

 Symbolism

Often shown holding a mirror. This led to the Venus sign, a circle with a cross underneath which is used to symbolize females.

In art she was shown as a beautiful, young Goddess.

For pictures of this goddess including the famous painting Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli and photo's of ancient statues please follow the link.

Sacred Animals: Snake.

Sacred Birds: Dove, swallow and swan.

Sacred Plants: Aloe, wood anemone, apple, benzoin, maidenhair fern, heather, sweet marjaram, myrtle, parsley, quince, sandlewood and rose.

Festivals: The main festival to this Goddess were held on 18th August, 1st April and 26th September.

Greek Equivalent: Aphrodite

Venus Archetype

The Lover

Represents passion and selfless devotion to another person. It also extends to the things that make our hearts sing, like music art or nature.

The shadow aspect is obsessive passion that completely takes over and negatively impacts on your health and self esteem.

The Roman Goddess of Love took on many of the roles of Aphrodite and was said to have numerous lovers.

Please follow this link to the Archetypes page to discover which other Goddess Archetypes resonate with you.

How To Work With The Lover Archetype

The Lover

You may be drawn to this Goddess if you are looking to attract a new lover or re-ignite the fire in an existing relationship. 

This Goddess can also be a useful tool to discover what you are passionate about in life. Why not make a make more time for your hobbies, as when you are more relaxed and enjoying life, people are naturally drawn to engage with you.

On the shadow side you need to ask whether the amount of energy and time you are putting into relationships or projects is excessive? If this continues for too long you are likely to suffer from stress and physical ill health.

You may need to take some time out of dating to work through past relationship issues so that you do not continue to repeat patterns. If you are already in a relationship you may also need to schedule in alone time as well as date nights.